December 27, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
Hartford Athletic have re-signed midfielder Beverly Makangila, pending league and federation approval.
“I am thrilled to be back in Hartford for a second season and reunite with Coach Burke,” said Makangila. “I think our fans are going to be very excited about the way we play soccer and I can’t wait to get back out in front of them in just a few months.”
Makangila returns to Hartford for a second year after a promising 2023 season in Green and Blue where he appeared in 15 games (eight starts). The Congolese midfielder was set back by an ankle injury that saw him miss 11 games from April to June, but he responded with a quality second half of the season. Makangila became a frequent starter through Hartford’s final 17 games, and added an exclamation point to his return by scoring one the team’s best goals of the season. Hartford found themselves down 1-0 in a matchup with New Mexico United on August 5th, and Makangila laced a beautiful strike from outside the box and into the net for the equalizer. The goal kick-started a second half comeback and eventual 2-1 victory for Athletic at home.
Prior to signing with Hartford ahead of the 2023 season, Makangila spent 2021 and 2022 with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He made 52 appearances and helped lead the Switchbacks to back-to-back playoff appearances under current Hartford Athletic Head Coach Brendan Burke, who had taken over the Colorado Springs squad in 2020.
“I have been impressed by Beverly’s talent since the first time I saw him play and I am very pleased to work with him once again,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “He has all the tools to succeed at this level, and we believe he can take a big step up in his game this season. He adds some good defensive instincts to our midfield, and we’re excited to see him back in Hartford.”
The 23 year old joined Hartford last year after a quality season with Colorado Springs in 2022, logging over 1,500 minutes. He entered American soccer with San Diego Loyal on loan from MFK Vyskov in 2020, where he appeared in six USL Championship games. Prior to coming to the United States, Makangila played for FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo in Linafoot, the top soccer division in DR Congo.
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